Our Estate

The Heatree estate is nestled within the wonderfully wild and beautiful Dartmoor National Park and spans 73 hectares (180 acres). This vast and diverse place is more than just a stretch of land; it is a living, breathing testament to environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and the integration of faith with nature.

Scale and Perspective

If you’re trying to imagine the size of the estate, picture the equivalent of:

  • About 73 Trafalgar squares
  • 4.5 Lake Windermeres
  • Or 16 Wembley stadiums!

Habitats

The estate’s north-east-facing slopes feature a rich tapestry of habitats, each playing a vital role in supporting the local ecosystem.

Woodland

  • The woodland is home to large, mature trees, including beech, conifers and majestic giant redwoods.
  • There is a mix of deciduous and wet woodland, adding variety and ecological balance.
  • Beech trees thrive on the estate’s drier upper slopes.
  • Willow and Alder dominate the lower, wetter areas, creating lush, wet woodlands.

Wetland

  • The estate has three large ponds and the Hayne Brook, a vital watercourse, is fed by natural springs and runoff from the moors.
  • These aquatic habitats support amphibians, waterfowl and a variety of invertebrates.

Farmland and Grasslands

  • The Rhos Pasture is a species-rich, marshy grassland dominated by purple moor-grass and rushes, and is critical for biodiversity.
  • The rough grazing grassland provides essential foraging and habitat for ground-nesting birds and small mammals such as the Hazel Dormouse.

Moorland

  • Cripdon Down is a large area of moorland on the opposite side of the road from our back gate. This land has commoner’s rights and supports grazing and traditional land use.
  • Cripdon Rock is a small crag offering panoramic views of Heatree and the surrounding landscape. This can be accessed from our back gate and picking up the path to the right. Alternatively this is accessible via the stile at the edge of the woodland; the path leads through a charming grove of Rowan trees to the craggy high points.

Wildlife

The estate is a thriving habitat for a broad range of wildlife, from common species to those requiring conservation focus.

Birds

  • Frequent sightings include buzzards, songbirds, house martins, and the elusive marsh tit.
  • 24 bird boxes have been installed throughout the estate, provide nesting sites for avian residents.

Mammals

  • Roe deer, foxes, rabbits, and squirrels are commonly sighted.
  • The estate is particularly significant for its Hazel Dormouse population, a declining species that is closely monitored as one of our Target 25 species (read more about this below).

To see footage of some of our wildlife visitors, visit our YouTube page:

Heatree YouTube Channel

Management and Stewardship

The Estate is managed by Estate Manager Simon, who brings extensive knowledge in countryside management and environmental conservation. Together with a small team, Simon oversees the maintenance of the estate’s woodlands, grasslands and moorlands throughout the year.

The estate’s management is guided by a commitment to:

  • Sustainability: ensure the land thrives for generations to come.
  • Conservation: support declining species and protecting important habitats.
  • Education: create enriching experiences for visitors.

A Mission Rooted in Faith

The estate operates with a mission to inspire awe and wonder, foster curiosity, and deepen visitors’ connection to the natural world and God, its creator. Our mission for the estate is:

To be good stewards of God’s Creation, to enable visitors to encounter God and to conserve the estate for future generations.

Key goals include:

  • Improve biodiversity by supporting native species and habitats.
  • Enhance accessibility by developing the path network.
  • Educate visitors with interpretive learning materials.

Partnerships and Conservation Projects

A Rocha UK

  • Heatree Estate is part of the A Rocha UK Partner in Action Programme, a Christian conservation initiative that supports biodiversity, climate action and nature restoration. Read more about A Rocha UK here.
  • This partnership connects Heatree with a global network of like-minded organisations working to care for creation.

Target 25 Project

The estate contributes to A Rocha UK’s Target 25 Project, which focuses on species and habitats most impacted by climate change, habitat loss and pollution.

The Target 25 species and habitats that Heatree is focusing on are:

  • Grassland Habitat
  • Native wildflowers
  • Woodland Habitat
  • Hazel Dormouse (Small Mammals)
  • Marsh Tit
  • House Martin

Educational and Visitor Opportunities

As a visitor to Heatree you can:

  • Observe the diverse wildlife, from majestic buzzards to song birds in abundance. Check out our noticeboards where you can find details of what to find on our doorstep.
  • Enjoy our walking trails that offer stunning views and educational insights. We have maps you can borrow and details of local walks.
  • Explore our YouTube channel, featuring footage of some of our elusive wildlife.

A Legacy for the Future

Heatree Estate is not just a place but a vision – a living example of how land can be cared for with integrity, faith and a commitment to conservation. By improving biodiversity, engaging with the public, and working alongside a global network of partners, the estate ensures that its natural beauty and spiritual mission will inspire generations to come.

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